As the name suggests, Bank is right at the heart of the City. A serviced office to rent or let in Bank will place your team in a thriving location with one of the busiest tube stations on the underground network.
As suggested by the name, the Bank area of the City of London is well associated with banking and international commerce. One of the most famous buildings within the area is The Royal Exchange which was built in 1565 by Sir Thomas Gresham as a centre of commerce for London’s merchants; today the centre offers a range of quality serviced office space. The Bank of England can also be found within this area and many insurance firms also reside in the region. Architecture throughout Bank is quite spectacular as much of London’s origins began within this area. Stunning constructions were developed throughout the 15, 16 and 1700s which today showcase the wonderful history of London. Many offices to rent within the area can be found housed in spectacular, grand and historic structures accompanied by smart and modern interiors.
Alex Williamson
Expert Opinion
Competing with New York City as the financial capital of the world Bank is a very influential area. It is the historical heart of London with a high population of finance companies working within period-style serviced office buildings. Bank tube station is one of the most popular in the capital.
Bank Developments and History
Learning about the history of the Bank region is not only useful for those working in the area but it is also extremely fascinating. The Bank of England Museum is a free institution in which you can discover the History of the Bank of England itself as well as building your knowledge of its role, the building and what it tries to promote to the country generally. Founded in 1694 the original bank’s architecture was the work of George Sampson, Palladian in style and characterised by the use of symmetry and classical designs.
Another piece of beautiful architecture within Bank is that of the St. Stephen Walbrook Church. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and, unlike many of Wren’s other designs throughout the city, is perfectly rectangular in its geometry. What is special about Wren’s churches however is that they were designed to be what he termed ‘auditories’ in which he intended for everyone within the church to feel as though they were a fully integrated part of the congregation; he designed the rooms to have maximum natural lighting and minimal obstruction from internal supports.
The area of Bank within the City of London has long been established as the financial sector and there are 33 times more business men and women within the area than there are residents. From as early as the Roman era this part of the city has been a focal point for trade and business. Its proximity to the River Thames made it a desirable spot and soon so many people had established their trades here that they eventually formed guilds to regulate the professions in order to please both the traders and the customers.
One such body specifically formed within Bank is marked by the street name Poultry as the location where the company began. Bank is an especially important part of The City of London as demonstrated through its history and the prestigious offices within the area come packed with culture and character.
Local Insight & Information
This highly business orientated area consists of many desirable serviced offices to rent or let and the locality is very prestigious in the financial world, hence the name Bank. There is much history attached to the area which was originally developed by the Romans and many of the buildings by Bank serviced offices are extremely impressive pieces of historical architecture. Walking around here is a pleasure in itself and there is a lot to learn from the region. The streets which make up Bank, mainly those surrounding the station, are also lined with numerous restaurants, bars and cafes as well as having its own unique form of shopping centre.
The Royal Exchange, possibly the most iconic building in the Bank area is today a magnificent office structure with a ground floor which houses a number of boutique shops and quality restaurants, providing the city with a unique shopping experience similar to that of the original building. Initially developed in 1566 by a man known as the father of English banking, Sir Thomas Gresham, the building was the first to trade stocks in London.
Almost 100 years later two extra floors were added to the building allowing it to house retail businesses, effectively creating the first shopping mall in London. After being burnt down and rebuilt twice throughout its history the building which still stands today was constructed in 1844. The original design was remodelled and, taking inspiration from Roman architecture, eight entrance pillars were added to the front of the building. Stores selling art, fashion, home ware, jewellery and tech can today be explored within the building.
1 Lombard Street is another building which has been transformed and is an important destination in the history of Bank. Originally housing the Payne & Smith bank in the rear of the building this is where Charles Dickens’ first love Maria Beadnell, daughter of the bank manager lived and the site in which Dickens would visit at night to gaze upon the building in which Maria slept.
Today, 1 Lombard Street is the home of a brasserie, restaurant and domed roof bar designed by former banker Soren Jessen and where many business men and women meet for a traditional British breakfast, lunch or dinner. Being in such a prestigious area the hotels within this region are well accustomed to accommodating for business types and their facilities are usually adapted to meet this requirement.
Apex London Hotel for example has a luxury common space inclusive of free WI-FI suitable for you to prepare before that important meeting or work on that big project. When it’s time to relax they are prepared for this also and all 89 rooms and suites include luxury bath products and large comfortable beds. There is also an exclusive fitness studio so you can maintain your regime whilst away from home and afterwards why not enjoy some fine dining at the Off the Wall restaurant.
Key Transport Links
Bank Tube Station is the fourth busiest in London and has recently seen a £57 million restoration to cope with the increase in demand which the station has been suffering with. A new entrance to the site is being constructed and is set to be complete in late 2017, consisting of two lifts, four escalators and a ticket hall. The station provides connections to the Central, Northern and Waterloo & City lines as well as DLR services. Cannon Street Tube Station is also close by which connects you with the Circle and District lines as well as Southeastern trains and bus services within four minutes.
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